GWU Early Decision: Pros and Cons?

George Washington University is one of my top choices, and I'm considering applying Early Decision. Can anyone share some pros and cons of going this route, like how much it might help my chances of getting in compared to applying Regular Decision?

When considering Early Decision (ED) at George Washington University (GWU) or any other college, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks. Here are the pros and cons for applying ED at GWU:

Pros:

1. Higher acceptance rate: Applying ED typically results in a higher acceptance rate compared to Regular Decision (RD). This can be attributed to both the smaller pool of applicants and the fact that ED applicants are more committed to the institution, resulting in a higher yield.

2. Show commitment: Applying ED demonstrates your dedication to GWU as your top choice since you're committing to attend if accepted. This can make your application stand out compared to RD applicants.

3. Early notification: By applying ED, you'll receive your admission decision much earlier, usually in December, instead of waiting until late March or early April. This enables you to begin planning your college journey in advance.

4. Less stress: Knowing your college decision early can alleviate the stress that comes with submitting multiple applications and waiting for multiple decisions.

Cons:

1. Limited financial aid negotiation: When you apply ED, you commit to attend if accepted, which means you're limited in your ability to compare financial aid packages from multiple colleges. This could result in a less favorable financial aid package because GWU knows they are your top choice.

2. Less time to prepare your application: The ED deadline is usually in November, which gives you less time to prepare your application compared to the RD deadline in January. This may lead to a weaker application if you have not spent enough time refining your essays and gathering supplementary materials.

3. Less time to improve your profile: If you're working on improving your GPA, taking additional standardized tests, or waiting for significant extracurricular achievements, applying ED may not give you enough time to include these accomplishments in your application.

4. Binding commitment: Applying ED requires a binding commitment to attend if accepted. If you're not 100% sure that GWU is the right fit for you, it's recommended to wait and apply RD instead.

In general, applying ED to GWU can boost your chances of acceptance, show your enthusiasm for the school, and offer early notification. However, it also comes with limitations like less time to work on your application, limited capacity to negotiate financial aid, and the binding commitment. Consider these factors carefully before deciding whether to apply Early Decision.